Bunn laments Athletic's 'ups and downs'

Athletic manager Frankie Bunn has revealed that he is still working hard to build a fighting spirit that is needed for his squad to be successful in League Two.

Having replaced Richie Wellens as boss in the summer, former playing star Bunn has endured something of a bumpy ride in the hot seat so far this term.

Following Saturday’s disappointing 1-0 home defeat by Port Vale, Athletic now sit in 15th place in the fourth tier table.

Fans voiced their opinions at full-time at the weekend following another home defeat.

Ahead of tomorrow’s (Tuesday) home clash against fellow strugglers Cheltenham, Athletic haven’t won at all in five games and haven’t triumphed at Boundary Park since September 1.

Asked about the recent home form, Bunn said: “I don’t think we’ve had the rub of the green, and we’ve made to many silly errors, like the one on Saturday (when Peter Clarke needlessly conceded a penalty which led to the only goal of the game).

“The 3-3 game (against Colchester) saw us make mistakes at setplays and we were punished.

“On Saturday Port Vale had three attempts on goal, and that included the penalty.

“It’s difficult. The club is where it is.

“We were a relegated club last season and we are trying to start again – we keep saying that.

“We’re bound to have ups and downs.

“I think some people still think we’re in the Premier League. They go back to the good times 20 years ago, but things have changed.

“We’re bound to have teething problems and we are trying to put that right.

“The club is trying to start again with a new owner, and we are building on that.

“We’ve got to start to set foundations again.

“We’re in League Two, and I know other clubs have had issues when they’ve been relegated, but they have to go again.

“It is tough, but you need that fighting spirit and that’s what we’re trying to instil.

“We also need that support behind us.”

There will be a degree of pressure on Athletic tomorrow as third-bottom Cheltenham are without a win in six matches.

Loan striker Sam Surridge is out tomorrow due to a hamstring injury, while Andy Taylor, goalkeeper Zeus de la Paz and Giles Coke are also still unavailable.

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